Tethering/Hotspot for EVO

Question, I know Sprint's hotspot feature is to use the EVO "Wirelessly" with up to 8 diff. devices and that is what the $30 charge is for if you want to use that feature....... It's my understanding that "Tethering" is a different thing where u directly connect your EVO to a laptop and use the "Internet Sharing" mode that way with only that device. I don't pay the extra $30 so i dont have hotspot for my EVO but I am able to Tether my phone to my laptop. Ive read that tethering is not allowed on the sprint network without purchasing the Hotspot feature and i can have my contract terminated if i continue to use tethering with my EVO. IS THAT TRUE?????? Is the tethering feature with the EVO at this point, just a feature that has not been disabled or patched yet or is it infact supported by sprint without needing to buy the Sprint Hotspot feature?????? And if it is freely available is there a cap to how much data i can use while tethering??????..... cause you know, i do pay the damn """ $10 premium charge""" for each EVO on my account..... (P.S. - No i dont use any app for tethering, i use the built in feature by HTC)

I don't pay the $30 hotspot fee and I could not USB-tether with the built in app. all I got every time I tried was error 67 both on 3G and 4G. calls to Sprint's technical support did not do anything. they kept saying you have to pay to play.

now for USB tethering I use PDANet and for wireless hotspot tethering I use unevoked with WiFi Tether

Prohibited Network Uses. To ensure the activities of some users do not impair the ability of our customers to have access to reliable services provided at reasonable costs, you may not use our services in a manner that is unlawful, infringes on intellectual property rights, or harms or unduly interferes with the use of Sprint's network or systems. Sprint reserves the right, without notice or limitation, to limit data throughput speeds or quantities or to deny, terminate, end, modify, disconnect, or suspend service if an individual engages in any of the prohibited voice or data uses detailed below or if Sprint, in its sole discretion, determines action is necessary to protect its wireless networks from harm or degradation.....

Examples of prohibited data uses: Sprint data services are provided solely for purposes of web surfing, sending and receiving email, photographs and other similar messaging activities, and the non-continuous streaming of videos, downloading of files or on line gaming. Our data services may not be used:

(vi) for an activity that connects any device to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for the purpose of transmitting wireless data over the network (unless customer is using a plan designated for such usage)

Unlimited Use Plans. If you subscribe to rate plans, services or features that are described as unlimited, you should be aware that such "unlimited" plans are subject to these Sprint Prohibited Network Uses.

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So, by tethering your laptop to your phone for internet use without paying for the Hotspot fee... you are breaking the Terms of Service.

No. You are breaking the Terms of Service (TOS). If Sprint detects it, they can limit data throughput speeds or quantities (i.e. cap your unlimited data or just slow your data speed to a crawl) or to deny, terminate, end, modify, disconnect, or suspend your service.

I paid for an "unlimited phone as modem" feature with Sprint for years. I remember people being saying, "oh, it's undetectable! They won't/can't do anything to you! Go ahead and just do it without paying!" Then, when Sprint started cutting off their service, capping their data, sending them warning letters, and finally charging them for data usage over their now capped data usage, they got all upset.

So, can Sprint detect you tethering your phone? I'm not a technophile, so I can't say. I can tell you that they were able to detect it a few years ago and that people were billed for such usage (and a lot more than $30), had their service suspended, or data transmissions throttled back.

Okay one, why are ppl using apps to tether their EVO when tethering is already supported by default by htc. All u need to do Is have htc sync installed on your computer and I don't think It even matters if your covered with 4g or not. The EVO supports tethering by Itself all u need Is a computer..... and two, where did you find/go to get the 'evo contract' information because I have not recieved any documentation or conrract info. I assume somewhere online. where please? And last, how would I be breaking contract policy If all I am doing Is using a product as Im told to use it by the manual and have not made any Illegal modificatoons to it. The EVO supports tethering right out of the box. It tells you how to use it in the manual and is accesible by default. So what right does sprint have to call tethering with the EVO illegal/against policy.??????

Okay one, why are ppl using apps to tether their EVO when tethering is already supported by default by htc. All u need to do Is have htc sync installed on your computer and I don't think It even matters if your covered with 4g or not. The EVO supports tethering by Itself all u need Is a computer..... and two, where did you find/go to get the 'evo contract' information because I have not recieved any documentation or conrract info. I assume somewhere online. where please? And last, how would I be breaking contract policy If all I am doing Is using a product as Im told to use it by the manual and have not made any Illegal modificatoons to it. The EVO supports tethering right out of the box. It tells you how to use it in the manual and is accesible by default. So what right does sprint have to call tethering with the EVO illegal/against policy.??????

Okay one, why are ppl using apps to tether their EVO when tethering is already supported by default by htc. All u need to do Is have htc sync installed on your computer and I don't think It even matters if your covered with 4g or not. The EVO supports tethering by Itself all u need Is a computer..... and two, where did you find/go to get the 'evo contract' information because I have not recieved any documentation or conrract info. I assume somewhere online. where please? And last, how would I be breaking contract policy If all I am doing Is using a product as Im told to use it by the manual and have not made any Illegal modificatoons to it. The EVO supports tethering right out of the box. It tells you how to use it in the manual and is accesible by default. So what right does sprint have to call tethering with the EVO illegal/against policy.??????

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Look at my initial post. Click on the "Terms of Service" in blue. That will take you to Sprint's site that describes the Terms of Service for their Everything data plans.

Just because the manual describes the possibility of a function doesn't mean that you don't have to pay for it.

For example, I sell you cable television service. Your service allows for the possibility of viewing premium channels on your television in addition to regular cable. You are still required to pay for the ability to watch those premium channels. Yes, you can hack in and watch those channels for free... but people have had their service cut off or even been prosecuted for doing so.

When you signed your phone contract, you basically promised Sprint that you wouldn't tether your computer/laptop without paying the hotspot fee. Sprint required that in your contract... which you willingly signed. What right do they have? They had the right as a contracted service provider.

I don't think that's what Maxx is referring too. He didn't say anything about hacking. There is simply a button on the UI that allows one to connect to the internet and share that bandwidth with a tethered laptop.

To use your analogy of the cable company... If I subscribe to the basic programing, yet the cable company turns on the movie channels, I am not breaking any contract obligations by simply tuning into HBO (or whatever).

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For example, I sell you cable television service. Your service allows for the possibility of viewing premium channels on your television in addition to regular cable. You are still required to pay for the ability to watch those premium channels. Yes, you can hack in and watch those channels for free... but people have had their service cut off or even been prosecuted for doing so.

When you signed your phone contract, you basically promised Sprint that you wouldn't tether your computer/laptop without paying the hotspot fee. Sprint required that in your contract... which you willingly signed. What right do they have? They had the right as a contracted service provider.

I don't think that's what Maxx is referring too. He didn't say anything about hacking. There is simply a button on the UI that allows one to connect to the internet and share that bandwidth with a tethered laptop.

To use your analogy of the cable company... If I subscribe to the basic programing, yet the cable company turns on the movie channels, I am not breaking any contract obligations by simply tuning into HBO (or whatever).

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The thing about analogies is that they do not necessarily match reality. I would like to point out that people who are watching HBO without paying could still be prosecuted even if it had been "accidently" turned on by their cable-serviceman.

In your Terms of Service, you agreed not to share your bandwidth with other devices without paying the additional fee. Can your phone tether to a computer? Yes... but that doesn't mean you are free to do so. According to the contract that you signed, you wouldn't do that.

Now, will Sprint catch you tethering and do anything about it? I know of people (from online) who were bitching about it when they were caught a few years ago... but I think they were a small minority.

However, breaking contracts is unethical and makes one rather untrustworthy (IMHO at least).

Per this post, has Sprint changed it's position that it will not allow free USB tethering. The statement was pre-release, but it's the only thing I could find where I read that Sprint would allow USB tethering of 1 device with Evo at no charge.

Hmmm well I took the Initiative to call Sprint tech support and spoke ro a csr. He did clarify that although the EVO supports tethering out of the box, sprint doesn't allow that and preferred for me to buy the hotspot feature. BUT WHY WOULD I BUY A FEATURE TO SUPPORT SOMETHING I DONT NEED? BECAUSE TETHERING DOES NOT REQUIRE A WIFI HOTSPOT CONNECTION. IT IS A DIRECT USB CONNECTION. Furthermore the nice csr mistAkenly read me some notes from his database that the tethering feature may be disabled with the 2.2 update for the EVO. I DONT THINK HE WAS SUPPOSE TO TELL ME THAT but that news just made me even more pissedi. It's disgusting to see my provider say they have the right to limit,terminate, or change a feature under my device just because they can and because I will be using premium content that I bought at a sprint store. Isn't that why I paid $10 for?........ I am not complaining In any way, I'm simply pointing out that Sprint's move to try and nickel and dime everyone for almost everything that they can Is getting on my nerves. It's not like they are losing money, all EVO owners pay the $10 premium wuTs the big effin point.? There is no point. Thats why Im pissed. Does no one else care.?

Technically, I see your point. But leaving that service turned on within the EVO is confusing to the customer. If it's an additional paid service, it should be deactivated unless the service was requested by the customer.

The thing about analogies is that they do not necessarily match reality. I would like to point out that people who are watching HBO without paying could still be prosecuted even if it had been "accidently" turned on by their cable-serviceman.

In your Terms of Service, you agreed not to share your bandwidth with other devices without paying the additional fee. Can your phone tether to a computer? Yes... but that doesn't mean you are free to do so. According to the contract that you signed, you wouldn't do that.

Now, will Sprint catch you tethering and do anything about it? I know of people (from online) who were bitching about it when they were caught a few years ago... but I think they were a small minority.

However, breaking contracts is unethical and makes one rather untrustworthy (IMHO at least).

If you abuse it, you will be warned stay under the 5gig cap for 3g and for 4g its unlimited

From what i read and can remember its abusing it for 3 months before it becomes an issue.

it is technically against your TOS of course because they want you to pay additional for a hot spot or for separate mifi line, and thats what 80% (guessing) of the people out there do because they don't know about rooting, and the free apps out there.

Think about it they give you a phone that can download movies, music, documents untolled data, how can they tell its tethered? its just moving data

Per this post, has Sprint changed it's position that it will not allow free USB tethering. The statement was pre-release, but it's the only thing I could find where I read that Sprint would allow USB tethering of 1 device with Evo at no charge.

Excuse my rare ignorance. What do u mean by circumventing the service fee? I would like for sum one to explain to me how using my EVO tethered to my laptop should cost me more money and require me to purchase the hotspot feature. Obviously I understand sprint wants more money from their customers if they are forcing them to buy an additional service for something that Is already available without that bought service (which sounds unethical from a business standpoint BTW). Wut justifies me having to buy the hotspot feature in order for me not to use the hotspot feature but a feature that is given to me without hotspot capability.? Whats the difference between browsing the net on my phone or using my tethered phone to my laptop to browse. Maybe the data usage would be a little higher if I were to watch movies on hulu maybe BUT don't I pay $10 a month for this premium content?.......p.s. FYI tethering is a phone to modem utilization, not the same as hotspot. some people seem to mesh the two together which is Incorrect.

It's disgusting to see my provider say they have the right to limit,terminate, or change a feature under my device just because they can and because I will be using premium content that I bought at a sprint store. Isn't that why I paid $10 for?........ I am not complaining In any way, I'm simply pointing out that Sprint's move to try and nickel and dime everyone for almost everything that they can Is getting on my nerves. It's not like they are losing money, all EVO owners pay the $10 premium wuTs the big effin point.? There is no point. Thats why Im pissed. Does no one else care.?

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Sprint is in third place in the United States. They need to compete against the other companies and also produce revenue for their stockholders.

As to the $10 premium... they know people are going to be using their Evo's more for data-services than phone calls. Heck, I used about 4GB in my first two weeks streaming movies, podcasts, music, television shows, etc.

I think you need to look around at some other forums. People have used/are using 3g internet connections to download bit torrent files with their computers. This would be over and above the bandwidth people are using on their phones and could substantially slow the network down.

So, do I care they won't allow free tethering? Yes... because I want a fast network, I don't want people abusing a "free service". Charge people a fee and they'll be more careful. Let's avoid the Tragedy of the Commons before we start grazing.

EDITED TO ADD: Heck, there's a guy on the forum right now trying to tether his XBox to his Evo for internet support. You don't think that would eat more data than what the Evo would usually draw?

Excuse my rare ignorance. What do u mean by circumventing the service fee? I would like for sum one to explain to me how using my EVO tethered to my laptop should cost me more money and require me to purchase the hotspot feature. Obviously I understand sprint wants more money from their customers if they are forcing them to buy an additional service for something that Is already available without that bought service (which sounds unethical from a business standpoint BTW). Wut justifies me having to buy the hotspot feature in order for me not to use the hotspot feature but a feature that is given to me without hotspot capability.? Whats the difference between browsing the net on my phone or using my tethered phone to my laptop to browse. Maybe the data usage would be a little higher if I were to watch movies on hulu maybe BUT don't I pay $10 a month for this premium content?.......p.s. FYI tethering is a phone to modem utilization, not the same as hotspot. some people seem to mesh the two together which is Incorrect.

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Again, look around on this forum and others. People are talking about hooking up their gaming consoles for internet connections. People are using tethering for downloading GB's of bit torrent files. So, yeah... data usage would be much higher.

The $10 premium content is not for unlimited computer internet. It's for unlimited data streaming to a data-heavy phone.

As to your argument that because you CAN easily tether your phone, that should give you the right... does that mean if I leave my front door unlocked, that gives you the right to move in?

I thought I saw this too, so I'm surprised to hear it's no longer free.

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I'll wait to see what happens. I'm pretty sure I also read a follow-up that quoted Sprint as saying that USB tethering for 1 device will remain free, including when Froyo is released for Evo.

I don't use this feature, and it's not a factor for me with the Evo. If I want to tether, I'd expect that to only be when I'm in strong Wimax coverage where it's worth me dropping the $30 that can be start/stopped and does not require ongoing charges.

I still think Sprint should just have a $1/day unilmited tethering feature across the board so people really use it only when needed. That would make it easier than anything they've tried so far.

Excuse my rare ignorance. What do u mean by circumventing the service fee? I would like for sum one to explain to me how using my EVO tethered to my laptop should cost me more money and require me to purchase the hotspot feature. Obviously I understand sprint wants more money from their customers if they are forcing them to buy an additional service for something that Is already available without that bought service (which sounds unethical from a business standpoint BTW). Wut justifies me having to buy the hotspot feature in order for me not to use the hotspot feature but a feature that is given to me without hotspot capability.? Whats the difference between browsing the net on my phone or using my tethered phone to my laptop to browse. Maybe the data usage would be a little higher if I were to watch movies on hulu maybe BUT don't I pay $10 a month for this premium content?.......p.s. FYI tethering is a phone to modem utilization, not the same as hotspot. some people seem to mesh the two together which is Incorrect.

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Very simple because sprint has the right to add it to thier TOS, you don't have to agree but its thier "rules" and sorry to say this , if you don't like the rule there are other carriers?

At one time verizon had free hotspot for pre owners for example, sprint was charging for the same feature it was my choice to stay or go after summing up the benefits to both plans.

It is not appropriate to include that part in the contract because it contadicts what is readily available to the consumer which is tethering. Without the consumer having to use any third party app or anything of the like, they can use tethering as it is available by default and is fully supported by the manual of the HTC EVO. Some people try to make analogies and say that just because something is available and ready to use, that it should not be used. But a saying like that has no "sense" because it's obviously a part written just for its written sake (because the fact is that tethering is readily available to use by default). Now, i could see it justified for tethering to be banned under the contract terms IF the consumer were going out of their way and modifing some part of their phone to use tethering BUT that is NOT the case here because again, tethering is available by default and all it takes is connecting the device to the computer. Furthermore, I pay for an unlimited data plan and the $10 PREMIUM service for my HTC EVO as does every other owner as well and in doing so that should include my ability to tether my phone to my laptop for internet browsing purposes (not downloading of torrent files, heavy movie streaming etc....).. So besides the words just written in the HTC EVO "contract" what REAL justified reason am i not able to use my phone to tether to my one laptop device? I pay for an unlimited data plan for my EVO and in connecting my EVO to my laptop that does not violate anything that isnt legally and sufficiently written besides just being written for its own purposes. That's what i call a flawed and unethical contract. Again i Also pay the $10 premium for my EVO, if tethering should not be included in that "premium charge" what is the real reason for the charge. Excuse me if i sound rude, that is not my intention. It's just that everytime i mention tethering and question why i should not be able to use that feature when its freely available to me and instructed so in the manual, Some people respond with the CONTRACT TERMS as a reason im not able to use my EVO for tethering. But the contract is not fairly justified because it outright disafirms what i can and should do with my EVO..... And because the contract is used as the main reason for me not to be able to take advantage of the free hassleless feature, i would like a more explanation of the actuality of WHY I am not recommended to use tethering my phone and not thrown the words "contract" at me. Does what i say not make sense? Anyone?

It is not appropriate to include that part in the contract because it contadicts what is readily available to the consumer which is tethering. Without the consumer having to use any third party app or anything of the like, they can use tethering as it is available by default and is fully supported by the manual of the HTC EVO. Some people try to make analogies and say that just because something is available and ready to use, that it should not be used. But a saying like that has no "sense" because it's obviously a part written just for its written sake (because the fact is that tethering is readily available to use by default).

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HTC built the phone and the tethering feature is described in their manual. Your service is thru Sprint and your contract for use is thru Sprint. You're comparing apples to oranges.

If you don't want to agree to abide to the terms of your contract, then DON'T SIGN THE CONTRACT.

Now, i could see it justified for tethering to be banned under the contract terms IF the consumer were going out of their way and modifing some part of their phone to use tethering BUT that is NOT the case here because again, tethering is available by default and all it takes is connecting the device to the computer.

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You're driving along a country road and see a vegetable stand. On the stand is a pile of beautiful tomatoes and a mason jar filled with cash. There's a sign that says, "four tomatoes for a dollar". Now, using your example, there is nothing stopping you from taking more tomatoes without paying more. Taking more tomatoes is an option readily available to you. So, should you take more tomatoes than what you pay for, merely because the option is there?

Furthermore, I pay for an unlimited data plan and the $10 PREMIUM service for my HTC EVO as does every other owner as well and in doing so that should include my ability to tether my phone to my laptop for internet browsing purposes (not downloading of torrent files, heavy movie streaming etc....)..

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Um... no. The unlimited data and premium service is for the amount of data being used on the phone itself. Look at the Terms of Service, it is very clear that the unlimited data aspect only pertains to the phone and definitely excludes tethering. Unlimited phone data versus unlimited shared data is entirely different.

When you go to a buffet, your friend orders the buffet and you only a glass of water. Does the restaurant manager allow your friend to share their unlimited food with you? No.

So besides the words just written in the HTC EVO "contract" what REAL justified reason am i not able to use my phone to tether to my one laptop device? I pay for an unlimited data plan for my EVO and in connecting my EVO to my laptop that does not violate anything that isnt legally and sufficiently written besides just being written for its own purposes. That's what i call a flawed and unethical contract.

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Again, if you disagree with the terms of the contract, then DON'T SIGN IT.

Again i Also pay the $10 premium for my EVO, if tethering should not be included in that "premium charge" what is the real reason for the charge.

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I've already used over 5GB just on my phone alone, not including shared hotspot data. The premium charge is not for unlimited SHARED data. That is the $30 hotspot data charge.

Excuse me if i sound rude, that is not my intention. It's just that everytime i mention tethering and question why i should not be able to use that feature when its freely available to me and instructed so in the manual, Some people respond with the CONTRACT TERMS as a reason im not able to use my EVO for tethering. But the contract is not fairly justified because it outright disafirms what i can and should do with my EVO..... And because the contract is used as the main reason for me not to be able to take advantage of the free hassleless feature, i would like a more explanation of the actuality of WHY I am not recommended to use tethering my phone and not thrown the words "contract" at me. Does what i say not make sense? Anyone?

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People respond with contract terms because it is relevant. When you signed up for phone service, you signed a binding agreement as to what you would or would not do. Can you still do those things? YES... but it is unethical.